The 2015 football season saw mixed results for the Fargo South Bruins (5-5). After pushing Minot to the brink in the state quarterfinals, the game ultimately came up short. However, the Bruins return a wealth of skill players including quarterback Jack Pifer.

Pifer, a three-sport standout who has cleared 6 feet 5 inches as a high jumper in track and field, is ready to make the leap in his second full year as the Bruins’ signal caller.

“Jack has had a great offseason and we are expecting big things for him this season,” says Fargo South head coach Troy Mattern. “The thing that has most impressed me this offseason is the way he has taken on a leadership role and the way the players are responding to him.”

As a leader, Pifer has taken cues from former teammates James Johannesson, Ty Brooks, and Zach Kellen. Today, Johannesson is a running back for the Minnesota Gophers, Brooks plays for NDSU, and Kellen is currently a quarterback on Concordia’s roster. As far as mentors go, not too shabby.

“They definitely led by example in the way they played. On and off the field they were great guys,” says Pifer. “They were always helping younger players and building them up.”

Not only does Pifer have the leadership acumen, but he also brings a cannon of a right arm and dangerous quickness, making him a dual threat under center.

“Getting the ball and letting it rip on a good night, there’s nothing better. There’s really no better feeling in the world,” says Pifer.

Can the Bruins make the jump from a middle-of-the-road Eastern Dakota Conference team to a squad that makes a harder push in the standings?

It seems there are few North Dakota players more prepared to make such a leap than Jack Pifer.

Coaches Comments:
We are returning a lot of kids that saw varsity time last year, so we like the experience we have coming back. Our kids had a great offseason and we like the athleticism that returns. Our goal early in the season will be to build some depth on the offensive and defensive lines.